Syracuse State Institution for Feeble-Minded Children Monthly Payroll Books

Chronological by month.

This series consists of monthly payrolls "of attendants and servants" at the New York State Asylum for Idiots (1876-1890) and the Syracuse State Institution for Feeble-Minded Children (1891-1911). Occupations of those listed include cook, baker, seamstress, table girl, nurse, attendant, gardener, hall girl, farmer, engineer, man, gymnast, and carpenter, among others. Payroll format changes slightly over time.

The earliest volume, covering payrolls October 1876 - April 1882, lists worker's name (usually one month), occupation, amount, and receipt (usually blank, sometime pay date noted). The payee's signature appears in the receipt column on page one only. Amounts for the month are totaled.

Volume two, covering payrolls from May 1882-August 1892, lists name, occupation, [rate] "per month," time (one month), and amount. Amounts for the month are totaled.

Volume three, covering payrolls ending October 31, 1892 - June 30, 1904, lists name, service, [rate] per month, time (one month), amount, and remarks. Amounts for the month are totaled.

The final volume, covering payrolls ending July 31, 1904 - July 31, 1911, has headings identical to those in the preceding volume, except that an employee number is also given. The number assigned to a respective worker remains constant throughout the volume.

Volume list is available at the repository.

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